Village head detained in Phatthalung for police home intrusion

Police in Phatthalung apprehended a village head and several individuals following a bold and unauthorised incursion into a police officer’s residence. The group, armed and without just cause, now faces serious legal repercussions.

Yesterday, March 20, at around 6.30pm, a suspicious congregation of vehicles and individuals near the home of Surat Ramnoo triggered a chain of events leading to an intense confrontation and subsequent arrests. Surat, a 33 year old police officer, questioned the intentions of five men who had parked outside his residence and were circling towards the back of his house. The group claimed they were looking for lost property but failed to convince the officers on the spot.

When Surat and his colleague, Kruekphon Leunchan, identified themselves as police officers, the group remained uncooperative. Despite a thorough search that turned up no illegal possessions, their suspicious behaviour prompted a call for backup. Surat immediately contacted Chusak Chuthong, the deputy chief of the local police tactical unit, to apprise him of the situation.

While waiting for additional forces, Supol, also known as Jom Petchnui, a local village head, attempted to access a white Toyota Hilux Revo—later identified as a vehicle of interest in the investigation. His attempts were thwarted by the vehicle’s locked doors, and despite his demands, the arrested individuals did not comply with his requests to unlock the vehicle.

Upon the arrival of the police tactical team, an extensive search of the white Toyota revealed a Remington Wingmaster shotgun and two rounds of number 12 gauge ammunition, concealed in the back seat. The arrested individuals, 28 year old Pakapetch Chuabumrong, and 20 year old Thanakorn Petchnui claimed the firearms belonged to Supol, Thanakorn’s father and the village head in question.

Following these discoveries, officers escorted the two apprehended men to the local police station for further legal proceedings. Earlier in the day, a group of six men, including the son of the village head, armed with handguns, had allegedly attempted to confront a local family near the scene of the evening’s arrests. This action resulted in a police report for trespassing and armed threats.

Home intrusion

Thanakorn, the 20 year old son of the village head, contended that they had no intention of causing trouble and had only sought to reconcile with the son of the family in question. However, the unexpected arrival of the police caused panic, leading to their dispersal and the dropping of a bag they later returned to retrieve, reported KhaoSod.

Surat, whose home was intruded upon, expressed concern over the behaviour of the village head and his group. He feared the situation could have escalated had they not managed to retrieve the firearm from the vehicle.